A ditch
is just a ditch, correct? And a park and ride is simply just a place to leave
your car when you need to catch the bus, right? According to a team of
University of Houston architects and designers, these aspects of the city have
far more potential.

Members
of UH’s Community Design Resource Center (CDRC) recently explored some of Houston’s ditches,
easements, Metro transit centers and park and rides. They then developed new
ideas on how these components of the city can better serve its growing
populations. They will share these visions during “Thick Infrastructure,” a
free exhibition in the atrium of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture
Oct. 4 – Nov. 21.

“Thick
Infrastructure” will showcase bold possibilities for areas that some
Houstonians might take for granted. Led by Susan Rogers, professor of
architecture and director of the CDRC, a team of designers mapped the city and
selected specific areas to spotlight. Team members included UH alums Ruqiya Imtiaz-uddin,
Alex Lara and Rose Lee and UH architecture student Xavier Vargas.

“We’re
looking at how to make better use of existing spaces, how to give things more
than one purpose, and how to use resources in an efficient way that add value
to our community,” Rogers said.

“Thick
Infrastructure” will showcase images that reflect proposed uses for easements,
ditches, transit centers and park and rides. These include:

Weekend
programming for park and rides when these facilities are not in use. The lot
could be transformed into a site for community events with markets and/or food
trucks. They also can host outdoor film screenings, dances and other
recreational activities.

Paved
trails and bridges along city easements and ditches to connect communities and
offer additional pedestrian routes throughout Houston. Additionally, community
gardens can be planted in these areas.

Public
recreational facilities at transit centers including basketball courts, seating
or a bicycle velodrome (on a transit center’s roof).

The
“Thick Infrastructure” project was funded by a $5,000 grant awarded to Rogers
by the Rice Design Alliance. A reception
will kick off the exhibition at 7 p.m., Oct. 4. The College of Architecture’s
atrium is located on the first floor. To access the college, take Entrance 18
off Elgin Street.

As part of UH’s Gerald D. Hines
College of Architecture, the Community Design Resource Center works to enhance
the communities throughout the Houston region through design, research,
education and practice. The center addresses issues of community development,
design, planning, affordable housing and civic projects in partnership with
communities.

The Gerald D. Hines College of
Architecture offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of disciplines
including architecture, space architecture, interior architecture and
industrial design. Faculty members include esteemed professionals in the architectural
community, as well as award-winning academic veterans. Facilities include
studio spaces, the new Materials Research Collaborative, computer labs and the
Burdette Keeland Jr. Design Exploration Center. To learn more about the
college, visit http://www.arch.uh.edu/.